Triggering system and method

ABSTRACT

Described is a triggering arrangement including a power supply, a lighting arrangement and a switch. The lighting arrangement is coupled to the power supply. The switch is coupled to the lighting arrangement and the power supply. When the switch is in a first position, the lighting arrangement generates light to a photo-sensing portable device. The device is situated a predetermined distance from the arrangement. The device initiates a predetermined action in response to the light.

The present application is a Continuation application of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/170,312 filed on Jun. 28, 2005 now U.S. Pat. No.7,244,944 entitled “Triggering System and Method”. The entire disclosureof this application is expressly incorporated herein by reference.

BACKGROUND

Optical scanning systems, such as those used in warehouses andsupermarkets to track inventory, are in widespread use. Wearable andhandheld scanning systems have increased mobility and productivity, buthave generally sacrificed durability.

A conventional wearable scanning system includes a trigger connected toa wearable scanner via a wire. The wire hangs loosely between thescanner and the trigger, and is thus prone to mechanical failure duringuse, shipping, etc. Another disadvantage associated with theconventional wearable scanning systems includes accidental triggering byinadvertent contact with an exposed switch. The wearable scanningsystems have been manufactured without triggering components, providingan auto-triggering mechanism. However, this also has disadvantages, suchas power inefficiency and inadvertent repetitive scanning of the samebarcode.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to a triggering arrangement including apower supply, a lighting arrangement and a switch. The lightingarrangement is coupled to the power supply. The switch is coupled to thelighting arrangement and the power supply. When the switch is in a firstposition, the lighting arrangement generates light to a photo-sensingportable device. The device is situated a predetermined distance fromthe arrangement. The device initiates a predetermined action in responseto the light.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 a shows an exemplary embodiment of a system according to thepresent invention;

FIG. 1 b shows the embodiment of the present invention shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for associating atrigger unit and a base unit according to the present invention; and

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method for activating the baseunit according to the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The present invention may be further understood with reference to thefollowing description and the appended drawings, wherein like elementsare referred to with the same reference numerals. An exemplaryembodiment of the present invention describes a system including a baseunit which executes a predetermined action in response to a signal froma trigger unit (e.g., triggering arrangement). In the exemplaryembodiment, the base unit may perform optical scanning, and the triggerunit wirelessly communicates with the base unit.

FIGS. 1 a and 1 b show an exemplary embodiment of a system 5 accordingto the present invention. The system 5 includes a trigger unit 100 whichactivates a base unit 200. In one embodiment, the trigger unit 100 isseparate from the base unit 200, without a wired connectiontherebetween. Further, in this embodiment, a user of the system 5 maywear and/or hold both the trigger unit 100 and the base unit 200 whichwill be described further below. Because the units 100 and 200 are notcoupled via the wired connection, the user may position the units 100and 200 according to desired levels of comfort, operative convenience,etc.

The trigger unit 100 may include a lighting arrangement (e.g., anoptical source 110), a power supply 116, and a first attachmentarrangement 118. In another exemplary embodiment, the trigger unit 100further includes a circuit 112. These components may be placed proximalto each other and attached separately to the attachment arrangement 118,or, alternatively, each component may be partially or entirely encasedwithin a housing which is attached to the attachment arrangement 118.That is, as will be described below, it may be preferable to enclose allof the components of the trigger unit 100 entirely within the housing,except the switch 114 which may be only partially enclosed, leaving aportion thereof exposed to an external environment. As understood bythose skilled in the art, the housing may be manufactured from anymaterial (e.g., plastic, rubber, etc.) and may be of any size and shape.Preferably, the housing is manufactured as small as possible whileprotecting the components thereinside.

In one embodiment, the optical source 110 is a conventional lightemitting diode (“LED”), such as an infrared LED used in a televisionremote control or an infrared port of a computing device (e.g., apersonal computer, a laptop, a cell phone, etc). However, as understoodby those of skill in the art, the optical source 110 may be any devicewhich generates light and is capable of being switched between a firststate (e.g., an “off state”) and a second state (e.g., an “on state”).Furthermore, when in the second state, an output of the optical source110 is preferably of an intensity sufficient to be detected by the baseunit 200, which will be described further below. Although one embodimentof the optical source 110 includes the LED, other embodiments mayutilize an optical source which emits a light in a visible portion of anelectromagnetic spectrum. As understood by those of skill in the art,the light may have various wavelengths and frequencies.

The power supply 116 may be a conventional battery which provides powerto the optical source 110. The battery may be, for example, a buttoncell battery such as those used in wrist watches. The trigger unit 100is preferably a low-power mechanism consuming less than a few milliwattswhen activated, thereby maximizing a life of the power supply 116. Thus,when the power supply 116 is exhausted (e.g., the battery has beencompletely discharged), the entire trigger unit 100 may be discarded. Inother embodiments, the power supply 116 may be replaceable orrechargeable.

The switch 114 allows the user to initiate a transmission of a firstsignal (e.g., a single signal, a plurality of signals in a predefinedpattern) from the optical source 110. The first signal is used toactivate the base unit 200, as will be described below. The switch 114may be any type of switching mechanism such as, for example, a toggle, apushbutton, a rocker, or a slide switch. In one embodiment, the switch114 is a momentary pushbutton which remains in a first position (e.g.,an open position) when not activated. In another embodiment, the switchmay be in a second position (e.g., a closed position) which may resultin continuous energizing of the optical source 110 until the switch 114is switched to the first position by the user. The switch 114 may beconstructed of a plastic or a rubber, and may be of varying flexibilityand hardness. The switch 114 may also be of various sizes. For example,the switch 114 may be constructed of a silicone rubber with a durometerrating between 30 and 60, and a snap ratio between 40-60%. In oneembodiment, the switch 114, as the pushbutton, may be about 2 cm above asurface it is attached to when in the default position.

The first attachment arrangement 118 secures the trigger unit 100 to theuser. In one embodiment, the first attachment arrangement 118 is fittedover a middle phalange of an index finger of the user and positioned ona medial side thereof so that the switch 114 can be activated by theuser's thumb. The first attachment arrangement 118 may be a band (e.g.,elastic, Velcro®, etc.) that adjusts to the user's finger. In anotherembodiment, the band may be laced through a securing mechanism (e.g., abuckle, a loop, etc.) attached to the housing or an end of the banditself. The first attachment arrangement 118 may not exceed half an inchin width and one eighth inch in thickness. In yet another embodiment,the first attachment arrangement 118 may be constructed as a one-size ora sizable ring which fits over one or more fingers, or the hand of theuser.

In operation, the user may initiate the transmission of the first signalby placing the switch 114 in the second position (e.g., depressing thepushbutton) and releasing the switch 114 allowing it to return to thefirst position. Thus, the first signal may be transmitted once for eachtime the switch 114 is in the second position. In another embodiment,the switch 114 may be placed in the second position for a fixed amountof time before switching to the first position. Thus, the first signalmay be repeatedly transmitted for as long as the switch is in the secondposition. Alternatively, the switch 114 may remain in the secondposition until it is switched into the first position. In thisembodiment, the base unit 200 may be continually activated until theswitch is placed in the first position.

In another exemplary embodiment, the trigger unit 100 further includesthe circuit 112, which is connected to the switch 114, the opticalsource 110 and the power supply 116. When the switch 114 is in thesecond position, the circuit 112 causes the optical source 110 totransmit the first signal. In this embodiment, the first signal uniquelyidentifies the trigger unit 100 in order to prevent false triggering ofthe base unit 200 by, for example, other trigger units within adetection range of the base unit 200. Thus, the first signal may be oneor more signals arranged in a predefined pattern (e.g., one or morelight pulses, each having a predetermined duration). The pattern may beencoded or programmed into the circuit 112 prior to or during use of thetrigger 100. In addition, the pattern may be distinct from that ofcommonly used infrared devices (e.g., infrared codes used in universalremote controls) and other trigger units in order to minimizeinterference with communication between the trigger unit 100 and thebase unit 200. Those skilled in the art will understand that the circuit112 may include analog and/or digital components. The circuit 112 may,for example, include a timing device such as a quartz crystal or aresistor-capacitor (“RC”) circuit. In another embodiment, the triggerunit 100 may not include the circuit 112, and the first signal may be acontinuous signal without the pattern. Thus, the base unit 200 may beactivated by detection of the first signal itself rather than thepattern.

In the exemplary embodiment of the system 5, the base unit 200 may be aportable photo-sensing device which is activated by the trigger unit100. The base unit 200 may include an input/output (“I/O”) interface220, a power supply 222, an optical sensor (e.g., a photodetector 224),a processor 226, a memory 228, and a second attachment arrangement 230.In use, the base unit 200 is positioned so that the photodetector 224 isin a line-of-sight with the optical source 110 of the trigger unit 100.Exemplary positions for the base unit 200 include a back of a hand or aback of the finger of the user. Thus, the base unit 200 and the triggerunit 100 may generally be located on the same hand, and in particular,the same finger of the user. Further, the components of the base unit200 may be enclosed, partially or entirely within a further housing. Thefurther housing may have any size and shape and may be manufacturedsimilarly to the housing of the trigger unit 100.

The I/O interface 220 may communicate with a recording device (e.g., ahard drive of a computer, a memory card, etc.) via an attachment port(e.g., universal serial bus, serial, parallel, etc.) to which therecording device is connected. Alternatively or additionally, the I/Ointerface 220 may include a transceiver for wireless communication withthe recording device. That is, the base unit 200 may communicate withthe recording device using, for example, radio frequency signals,infrared, etc. The I/O interface 220 may also include additionalelements allowing for interaction with the user. In this manner, thebase unit 200 may include a keypad, a liquid crystal display (“LCD”), anLED(s), and/or a speaker.

The power supply 222 provides power to the components of the base unit200. The base unit 200 may consume more power than the trigger unit 100,and therefore may require a larger power source. The power supply 222may be a conventional battery, which may be rechargeable or replaceable.The battery may vary depending on a size of the base unit 200 andfrequency of use. Suitable battery types may include, for example,lithium ion batteries and standard AA or AAA-sized alkaline batteries.

The photodetector 224 may be utilized by the base unit 200 for aplurality of purposes, for example, to obtain data from a barcode. Inone embodiment, when the user initiates a scan of the barcode (e.g.,activates the base unit 200), the base unit 200 is generally held nearthe barcode which is illuminated by a light source located within thephotodetector 224. The light source may be, for example, a class 1 or 2laser with an adjustable output. A light ray reflected from the barcodemay then be detected by the photodetector 224. The light ray isconverted into an electrical signal and transmitted to the processor226. In another embodiment, the base unit 200 utilizes an imager togenerate one or more images of the barcode. The processor 226 decodesthe image(s) to extract data contained therein.

According to the present invention, along with performed a plurality offunctions (e.g., scanning barcodes), the photodetector 224 may receivethe first signal transmitted by the optical source 110 of the triggerunit 100 and translate the first signal into a corresponding electricalsignal. In one embodiment, the photodetector 224 may include anamplifying circuit, a filtering circuit, and an analog-to-digitalcircuit. After the first signal is received and converted into theelectrical signal, it may be transmitted by the photodetector 224 to theprocessor 226 for analysis, as will be described below. Although theexemplary embodiment utilizes the photodetector 224 to scan barcodes anddetect the first signal transmitted by the optical source 110, in otherembodiments the detections may be performed by one or more separatephotodetectors, which may be constructed so as to be particularlysensitive to transmissions of varying characteristics (e.g., frequency,wavelength, intensity, etc.). That is, the photodetector 224 may beused, for example, to scan barcodes while a further photodetector withinthe same base unit 200 may be used to receive the first signal.

The memory 228 may store a second signal which corresponds to the firstsignal of the trigger unit 100. That is, the second signal is a versionof the first signal which has been received by the photodetector 224. Asunderstood by those skilled in the art, the memory 228 may include aplurality of second signals corresponding to a plurality of firstsignals if, for example, the base unit 200 may be activated by more thanone trigger unit. The memory 228 can be any storage device capable ofbeing written to and read from, such as, for example, a dynamic randomaccess memory (“DRAM”) or a static random access memory (“SRAM”). Inaddition, the memory 228 may include a nonvolatile random access memory(“NVRAM”) in conjunction with an erasable programmable read-only memory(“EPROM”) backup system. The second signal may be written into thememory 228 at a time of manufacture of the base unit 200, or programmedinto the memory 228 at a later time, which will be described below.

The processor 226 may control operation of the components of the baseunit 200, and in particular, control power supplied to the photodetector224 switching it between a first mode (e.g., idle) and a second mode(e.g., an active mode during at least one function, e.g., scanning, isperformed). As understood by those skilled in the art, the processor 226may be an application specific integrated circuit (“ASIC”) or amicroprocessor-based circuit. When the photodetector 224 receives thefirst signal, the processor 226 compares the first signal with thesecond signal(s) stored in the memory 228. If the first signal matcheswith the second signal, the processor 226 switches the photodetector tothe second mode. The photodetector 224 may remain in the second modeuntil the processor 226 returns the photodetector 224 to the first mode.Those skilled in the art will realize that there are many ways in whichthe processor 226 may switch the photodetector 224 between the first andsecond modes. For example, the processor 226 may selectively disable andreenable the laser to prevent the barcode from being illuminated, andthus read by the photodetector 224. In other embodiments, the processor226 may not control the photodetector 224 at all, and leave thephotodetector 224 in the second mode, while controlling the transmissionbetween the I/O interface 220 and the recording device by switching theI/O interface 220 between idle and transmit modes.

The second attachment arrangement 230 of the base unit 200 may besimilar to the first attachment arrangement 118 of the trigger unit 100.For example, the second attachment arrangement 230 may be constructedfrom an elastic or a Velcro® band, and may be used in conjunction with asecuring device such as a buckle to secure the base unit 200 to theuser's body (e.g., the hand or the finger). The second attachmentarrangement 230 may vary in length, width, or other dimensions andcharacteristics depending on the location of the base unit 200 on theuser's body. For example, positioning on the back of the hand mayrequire a substantially different second attachment arrangement 230 thanpositioning on the finger(s). In yet another embodiment, the secondattachment arrangement 230 may be constructed as a one-size or a sizablering which fits over one or more fingers, or the hand of the user.

FIG. 2 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method 300 by which thetrigger unit 100 may be associated with the base unit 200. In theexemplary embodiment, the first signal may be programmed into the memory228 as the second signal during a learning sequence of the base unit200. In one embodiment, the learning sequence may be initiated each timethe base unit 200 is turned on, or be manually initiated by the user if,for example, the trigger unit 100 breaks and a further trigger unit mustbe associated with the base unit 200. In another embodiment, uponpowering on the base unit 200, a timer will start. If the timer reachesa predetermined value (e.g., zero) before receiving a signal from atrigger unit 100, the base-unit 200 may default to an auto-triggeringmode (e.g., a “blink mode”). In auto-triggering mode, the base unit 200may continually look for barcodes, and is used with or without a triggerunit, depending upon an application.

In one embodiment, the base unit 200 may provide an indication to theuser that the second signal is not stored. The indication may be visual(e.g., through the LCD or LED) or audible (e.g., through the speaker).Another possibility is to use the laser of the base unit 200. Forexample, a predetermined sequence of pulses of the laser or preventingoperation thereof, may provide the indication that the second signal isnot stored in the memory 228.

In step 310, the learning sequence is initiated. As stated above, thelearning sequence may be initiated by the user or automatically uponpredetermined conditions (e.g., power on, time intervals, etc.). In oneembodiment, when powered, the base unit 200 may prepare to receive thefirst signal and may, optionally, prompt the user to input the firstsignal. In a further embodiment, the base unit 200 may indicate if oneor more second signals are already stored in the memory 228. As statedabove, the user may manually initiate the learning sequence at any time,thus allowing the second signal to be stored in the memory 228 duringuse of the base unit 200. In another embodiment, the timer starts uponpower-on, and if the base unit 200 does not receive the first signalfrom any trigger unit, the base unit 200 may default to, for example,the auto-triggering mode.

In step 312, the user activates the trigger unit 100 by placing theswitch 114 in the second position causing the power supply 116 toenergize the optical source 110. In the method 300, the user may not beattempting a scan, but may simply be attempting to associate the triggerunit 100 with the base unit 200. Thus, the switch 114 need only be inthe second position for a duration which will cause the optical source110 to transmit the first signal.

In step 314, the trigger unit 100 transmits the first signal inaccordance with the circuit 112. As previously discussed, the firstsignal may include the pattern and/or may have a predefined duration.For example, in one embodiment, the optical source 110 may emit aplurality of pulses of light in the pattern. In another embodiment, theoptical source 110 may emit a single pulse of the light for thepredefined duration (e.g., 1 second). Preferably, each trigger unit 100within an operating area (e.g., a section of a warehouse) has a uniquepattern and/or duration to minimize interference with further triggerand base units.

In step 316, the first signal is received by the base unit 200 andstored in the memory 228 as the second signal. In one embodiment, theprocessor 226 may wait for a predetermined amount of time so that thefirst signal is transmitted at least twice, in order to ensure that thefirst signal was received correctly. After storing the second signal,the base unit 200 may then alert the user that it is ready for use(e.g., via the LCD, the LED, or the speaker). In another embodiment, theuser may initiate a test-mode following the recording of the secondsignal. For example, the user may activate the trigger unit 100 (e.g.,place the switch 114 in the second position) and attempt to scan abarcode. If the test-mode is successful, the base unit 200 may indicatethis via the LCD, the LED, or the speaker. However, if the test-modefails, the base unit 200 may prompt the user to retransmit the firstsignal. Once the second signal is stored in the memory 228, the baseunit 200 may be activated by the trigger unit 100.

FIG. 3 shows an exemplary embodiment of a method 400 for activating thebase unit 200 according to the present invention. In step 410, thephotodetector 224 receives the first signal. As stated above, the baseunit 200 may include a further photodetector which only responds to thefirst signal. The method 400 may be implemented by any photodetectorwhich may receive and respond to the first signal, whether it be thephotodetector 224 or the further photodetector.

In step 412, the base unit 200 determines whether the first signalmatches with the second signal stored in the memory 228. If thecomparison fails, the base unit 200 waits for a match, and/or the usermay be alerted to the failure. Thus, the photodetector 224 remains inthe first mode.

In step 414, the photodetector 224 is switched to the second mode (e.g.,begins scanning) because the first signal matches the second signal. Forexample, the user may complete the scan by placing an item to be scannedbeneath the laser of the photodetector 224. The photodetector 224detects the reflected light rays from the item and transmits the scanneditem to the recording device. The user may then be alerted once thetransmission is received by the recording device via the LCD, the LED,or the speaker of the base unit 200.

In one exemplary embodiment, the photodetector 224 returns to the firstmode after a predetermined time or a user-selected time. For example,the predetermined time may have a first duration long enough for one ormore scans. Whereas, the user-selected time may be a function of asecond duration for which the user maintains the switch 114 in thesecond position.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications may be made in the present invention, without departingfrom the spirit or scope of the invention. Thus, it is intended that thepresent invention cover the modifications and variations of thisinvention provided they come within the scope of the appended claims andtheir equivalents.

1. A triggering arrangement, comprising: a lighting arrangement; and aswitch coupled to the lighting arrangement, wherein when the switch isin a first position, the lighting arrangement generates light capable ofbeing received by a photo-sensing portable device, the device initiatinga predetermined action in response to the light, wherein the light is acontinuous signal without a varying pattern.
 2. The arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein the lighting arrangement is alight-emitting diode.
 3. The arrangement according to claim 1, whereinthe switch is one of a button, a rocker, a toggle and a slide switch. 4.The arrangement according to claim 1, further comprising: an attachmentarrangement allowing the triggering arrangement to be worn by a user. 5.The arrangement according to claim 4, wherein the attachment arrangementis one of a sizable band and a molded ring.
 6. The arrangement accordingto claim 1, wherein the light is an infrared light.
 7. The arrangementaccording to claim 1, wherein the device is a scanner.
 8. Thearrangement according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined action is ascan.
 9. The arrangement according to claim 1, wherein the deviceincludes a further attachment arrangement for being worn by the user.10. A system, comprising: a photo-sensing portable device including anoptical sensor; and a triggering arrangement including an optical sourcewirelessly communicating with the optical sensor, the triggeringarrangement including an attachment arrangement for attaching thetriggering arrangement to a user with the optical source in aline-of-sight of the optical sensor, and a switch which, when activated,supplies energy to activate the optical source, an operation of thedevice being controlled based on signals corresponding to light receivedby the optical sensor from the optical source, wherein the light is acontinuous signal without a varying pattern.
 11. A method, comprising:activating a timer in a photo-sensing portable device; if the devicereceives a first signal from a triggering arrangement before the timerreaches a predetermined value, storing the first signal as a secondsignal in a memory of the device; and if the timer reaches thepredetermined value without the first signal being received by thedevice, actuating an auto-triggering mode of the device, wherein in theauto-triggering mode the device one of continually and periodicallytransmits a scanning signal for scanning a barcode.
 12. The methodaccording to claim 1, further comprising: providing an indication to auser if the second signal is not stored in the memory before the timerreaches the predetermined value.
 13. A system, comprising: means foractivating a timer in a photo-sensing portable device; means for, if thedevice receives a first signal from a triggering arrangement before thetimer reaches a predetermined value, storing the first signal as asecond signal in a memory of the device; and means for, if the timerreaches the predetermined value without the first signal being receivedby the device, actuating an auto-triggering mode of the device, whereinin the auto-triggering mode the device one of continually andperiodically transmits a scanning signal for scanning a barcode.
 14. Thesystem according to claim 13, further comprising: means for providing anindication to a user if the second signal is not stored in the memorybefore the timer reaches the predetermined value.